Konbini

Explore the heart of Japanese daily life through its iconic convenience stores!

For any visitor to Japan, it becomes immediately clear how central the convenience store (or “konbini”) is to everyday life. Different from our understanding of the convenience store in the US, Japan’s three huge chains—7 Eleven, Family Mart, Lawson—are the beating heart of the nation.

Locals will pop into the konbini multiple times a day for household items, umbrellas (during those summer storms), manga, and, of course, food—in all its forms. From instant snacks, onigiri, lunch bento, and steaming oden, to the fluffiest cheesecake slices and pot noodles.

This book celebrates the sometimes odd, always delicious offerings through recipes and stories, and delves into the history of this peculiarly Japanese cultural icon.